An impressive Salamishastra followed by Shokshastra at the War Memorial marked the celebrations of the 80th Air Force Day on Monday,October 8.
While the IAF Day began with Air Commodore VR Chaudhari,Air Officer Commanding (AOC),Air Force Station (AFS),Lohegaon laying a wreath at the memorial,air warriors of the station presented the Salamishastra and the gun salute to pay tribute to the martyrs.
The AOC also administered oath of allegiance to all air warriors for rededicating themselves to the service of the nation.
Addressing the personnel,he highlighted the significant role played by the Air Force base for maintaining high standards of preparedness of Indias frontline fighters SU-30 MKI aircraft. IAF is one of the worlds largest,professionally trained and motivated forces with a team of air warriors second to none. Mission,Integrity and excellence are core values of the IAF and must be the guiding principles in every walk of life, he said.
He stressed hard and smart work. He applauded the sincere contribution of each and everyone and extended his best wishes to all air warriors and their families.
Several air warriors were awarded Commendation by the Chief of the Air Staff,AOC in C,SWAC and appreciation by AOC for high order of dedication and excellence in the service of IAF. Earlier,on October 6,Air Chief Marshal (Retd) H Moolgaonkar and Air Chief Marshal (Retd) PV Naik,in presence of all officers of Air Force Station,cut the cake and conveyed their best wishes to the IAF and all personnel, a press release by the PIB,MoD said.
In the run-up to Air Force Day several events were held from September 29 in which retired personnel also took part.